What Are the Signs of Drug Relapse?

The term “relapse” refers to a person’s return to drug use after a period of sobriety. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, relapse rates can reach as high as 60%. A relapse doesn’t mean you’re a failure. It may simply mean that you didn’t get all the help you needed to overcome your addiction.

Many people relapse because of triggers like stress or unhealthy relationships. When people relapse, it can sometimes be difficult for them to realize that they need help to keep from falling back into addiction. It’s difficult to admit that you need help and need someone else for support. Here are some reasons people relapse and some ways to stop a relapse before it starts.

 Triggers Lead to Relapses

People relapse for many different reasons, including emotional disturbances, relationship issues, or circumstances at work. Often a trigger, something that causes a reaction, begins the path towards relapse. Being aware of your triggers and taking action to avoid them will help you remain sober. Once you notice a trigger, take measures to avoid it or cope with it without turning to substances.

Though triggers may vary widely, many people share similar ones. Some of the most common triggers include:

• Dealing with chronic pain management, especially without adequate pain treatment
• Undergoing a serious illness
• Being in the throes of depression or mental health disorders
• Stress, seeking relief from pain and anxiety
• Financial problems like a loss of a house or job
• Lack of a support network, especially when there are ongoing relationship problems with family, friends, or co-workers
• Increased emotional distress and interpersonal difficulties
• Hanging out with old friends that you used to use with
• Revisiting sites or venues where you used substances

What to Do After a Relapse?

In recovery, there is hope for a person to lead a productive, sober life. However, it begins with a plan of action.

Identify your triggers and decide on an action plan for when those triggers occur. For example, if you’ve found that you relapse when you return to an empty home, consider staying with family and friends for company. Distractions and healthy habits work together to keep you on the road to recovery and away from relapse.

The following provides a list of some tools or actions to add to consider in your relapse prevention planning.

• Exercising can be a great way to relieve stress and improve your mental and physical health. Use exercise to work out negative feelings that might trigger your relapse.
• Recovery Groups can provide you with the support you need. Individuals with a SUD gather to discuss their recovery and other topics relating to recovery. At the meeting, you can share about your recovery or seek advice or support from other participants.
• Therapy aims to help the individual change the behavior of theirs that supports using illicit substances. You have the option of attending one-to-one psychotherapy sessions or group sessions.
• Friends and Family are there so you don’t have to go it alone. Recovery is a process that takes work, and it’s important to have the support you need to make your goals come true.
• Self-care is really important for people struggling to deal with the pressures of their day-to-day life. Self-care can be as simple as taking a break from your work and writing in your journal or as involved as booking a massage with your favorite therapist. It can also include getting enough sleep and eating healthfully.

Last, consider attending a drug rehab, especially if you’re still struggling with using drugs or alcohol. You can find incredible support at treatment facilities. Treatment facilities, like Restoration Recovery Center, provide an array of resources to support your recovery.

Restoration Recovery Can Help

Restoration Recovery specializes in assisting individuals suffering from a relapse. We recognize the courage it takes to seek help again. We provide many programs to ensure your treatment is a success. Our services include:

• Medication-Assisted Treatment involves taking medications that help you cope and detox from said substances. Our medically trained team will monitor you 24/7 and administer the medication.
• After Care is a priority. A team of our clinicians will assist you in creating a prevention relapse plan.
• Trauma Therapy is a type of psychotherapy to help you unpack and release any past trauma.
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) offer different but equally helpful treatment approaches for people to overcome their addictions. Both approaches work to reduce the urges to use and foster improved emotional regulation and coping skills.
• Residential Services at the foothills of Sierra Nevada. Unwind and enjoy the beautiful scenery at your disposal.
• PHP/Day Treatment is a more flexible treatment program for those who choose to live in their homes during treatment.

We provide a comprehensive plan for the care that you need.

It is important to know the signs of relapse before it happens. Also, it is crucial to avoid isolation, practice self-care, and find support. It is important to recognize your triggers, have a plan in place if you relapse, and know where to turn for help. Restoration Recovery Center’s program focuses on people who struggle with substance use disorder and mental health problems. Our holistic approach to rehabilitation offers different recovery methods to provide the most effective treatment for our participants. We offer evidence-based therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, experiential therapies such as adventure therapy and meditation, and medication when needed. Each participant works with a clinician to develop a customized program. We help you find a healthy balance between good health and full life. It’s important to have someone there to help you through the hard times. More importantly, never underestimate the power of staying in recovery! Call (888) 290-0925 today. We are here to help.